Medical skin applicator apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a fluid applicator apparatus and methods of using the apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to an apparatus for storing and dispensing solutions (e.g., fluid solutions of any kind) (e.g., liquid medicaments and/or sterilization solutions) to a surface of a subject.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/834,993, filed Dec. 7, 2017, allowed as U.S. Pat. No.10,688,291, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/251,194, filed Apr. 11, 2014, allowed as U.S. Pat. No. 9,844,654,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.61/813,953, filed Apr. 19, 2013, the contents of which are incorporatedby reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fluid applicator apparatus andmethods of using the apparatus. In particular, the present inventionrelates to an apparatus for storing and dispensing solutions (e.g.,fluid solutions of any kind) (e.g., liquid medicaments and/orsterilization solutions) to a surface of a subject.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many medical procedures involve application of medicines, sterilizingfluids, antiseptics, gels, agents or other materials to portions of thebody, such as the skin, for preparation, treatment, etc. Such medicines,sterilizing fluids, agents are typically transferred to the skin via anapplicator. Conventional liquid applicators incorporate a glass ampouleor plastic blow-molded bottles for storing the liquid and a mechanismfor fracturing the ampoule to release the stored liquid. The releasedliquid contacts a swab, foam pad or tip for application to the skin.

However, numerous problems are encountered with applicators of thistype. For example, the design of most conventional liquid applicators isprone to unintentional actuation (e.g., release of the fluid).Therefore, it would be desirable to overcome the disadvantages anddrawbacks of the prior art with a body surface applicator that decreasesthe risk of unintentional actuation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fluid applicator apparatus andmethods of using the apparatus. In particular, the present inventionrelates to an apparatus for storing and dispensing solutions (e.g.,fluid solutions of any kind) (e.g., liquid medicaments and/orsterilization solutions) to a surface of a subject.

Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatuses and methods ofusing such apparatuses to apply solutions to a surface of a subject. Theapparatuses overcome problems of existing devices by preventingaccidental, undesired, dispensing of solutions.

For example, in certain embodiments, the present invention providesmedical applicator apparatuses. The present invention is not limited toparticular types of medical applicator apparatuses. In some embodiments,the apparatus (as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 5) have a main body, and anapplicator component.

Such apparatuses are not limited to a particular type of main body. Insome embodiments, the main body serves as the main portion of theapparatus, serves as a housing for a fluid housing, serves as a channelthrough which a fluid can pass, and serves as a conduit between aflowing fluid and the applicator. In some embodiments, the main body hasa main body proximal end (having a main body proximal end rim), a mainbody mid portion, and a main body distal end.

The main body is not limited to particular size dimensions. In someembodiments, the size of the main body is such that it is able to housea fluid housing (e.g., fluid container) (described in more detailbelow). The main body is not limited to a particular shape or design. Insome embodiments, the shape of the main body is such that it may becomfortably handled and/or gripped by a user (e.g., a human user).

Such apparatuses are not limited to a particular type of applicatorcomponent. In some embodiments, the applicator component serves as theportion of the apparatus that receives a fluid (from the main body) andemits the fluid in a desired manner (e.g., onto a subject). In someembodiments, the apparatus engages the main body at the main body distalend.

The applicator may be any material suitable for absorbing and applying asolution (e.g., medicament or sterilization solution) to the skin of ananimal. Examples include, but are not limited to, sponges, absorbentpads, and the like.

In some embodiments, the main body has an opener element positionedwithin the interior of the main body at the main body mid portion. Insome embodiments, the opener element is a protuberance that isconfigured to actuate (e.g., open) (e.g., insert into) an operable doorwithin a fluid housing (described in more detail below). In someembodiments, the opener element is triangular in shape and rigidlypositioned within the interior of the main body at the main body midportion. In some embodiments, the opener element has a pointed front endangled acutely so as to facilitate the actuating (e.g., opening) of anoperable door (e.g., a fluid housing operable door), a top end shaped tofacilitate the retention of such an operable door in an open position(described in more detail below), and a back end. In some embodiments,the top end is more acutely angled in comparison to the pointed frontend thereby facilitating positioning of an opened fluid housing operabledoor on such top end (so as to retain the opened operable door in anopen position). In some embodiments, the width of the opener element issufficiently narrow so as to retain a hollow passage within the interiorof the main body. In some embodiments, the width of the opener elementis sufficiently narrow so as to facilitate (e.g., not hinder) thepassage of a fluid through the interior of the main body to theapplicator.

Such apparatuses are configured to house a fluid housing within the mainbody (as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5). The present invention is notlimited to particular types or kinds of a fluid housing. In someembodiments, the fluid housing is positioned within the interior of themain body from the main body proximal end to the vicinity of the mainbody mid portion just prior to the opener element. In some embodiments,the fluid housing has a closed fluid housing proximal end and a closedfluid housing distal end (e.g., thereby enabling the fluid housing tosecurely store a fluid). In some embodiments, the fluid housing ispositioned within the main body such that the fluid housing proximal enddoes not extend beyond (outside the top of) the main body proximal endrim (thereby preventing unintentional actuation of the apparatus).

In some embodiments, the fluid housing distal end is closed with a fluidhousing distal end operable door. The present invention is not limitedto a particular type or kind of fluid housing distal end operable door.In some embodiments, the operable door is hinge based such that it isconfigured to be opened. In some embodiments, the operable door is peelhinge based such that it is configured to be opened. In someembodiments, the operable door has an operable door top peel portion andan operable door bottom peel portion. In some embodiments, the operabledoor top peel portion and the operable door bottom peel portion havedifferent degrees of thickness. In some embodiments, the thickness ofthe operable door bottom peel portion is such that upon engagement withthe opener element pointed front end the operable door bottom peelportion will detach (e.g., “break”). In some embodiments, the thicknessof the operable door top peel portion is thick enough to bend (e.g.,flex) without detaching as the operable door bottom peel portiondetaches. As such, in some embodiments, the operable door is configuredto open via detachment of the operable door bottom peel portion andflexing of the operable door top peel portion in response to engagementwith the opener element pointed front end.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, depression of the fluid housingproximal end (e.g., by a user) causes the fluid housing to distallyadvance through the interior of the main body resulting in engagementbetween the fluid housing operable wall and the opener element. Suchengagement between the fluid housing operable wall and the openerelement results in contacting of the opener element pointed front endwith the operable wall bottom peel portion such that the operable wallbottom peel portion (e.g., opens), and as the opener element advancesinto the fluid housing, the operable door top peel portion flexes andrests upon the opener element top end (thereby retaining the operabledoor in an open position). In some embodiments, such opening of theoperable door results in a release of the fluid housing contents (e.g.,fluid) through the opened operable door, into the interior of the mainbody (e.g., the main body mid portion and main body distal end), andultimately into the applicator. In some embodiments, the entire contentsof fluid housing are thereby transferred to the applicator, which maythereby be used to apply such contents to a subject. In someembodiments, the operable door top peel portion and the operable doorbottom peel portion are formed through a coining process.

Similarly, in certain embodiments, the present invention providesapparatuses for applying a fluid, comprising a hollow main body havingan open main body proximal end, a main body mid portion, and an openmain body distal end, wherein the interior of the main body mid portionhas therein an opener element, an applicator component, and a fluidhousing having a closed fluid housing proximal end and a fluid housingdistal end having a fluid housing operable door, wherein the fluidhousing operable door has therein a bottom portion peeled element and atop portion peeled element, wherein the top portion peeled element isthicker than the bottom portion peeled element.

In some embodiments, the main body distal end is engaged with theapplicator component. In some embodiments, the fluid housing ispositioned within the interior of the main body such that the fluidhousing operable door is positioned in the vicinity of the openerelement such that a distal movement of the fluid housing will result inan actuating (e.g., opening) (e.g., insertion into) of the openerelement into the fluid housing operable door thereby releasing thecontents of the fluid housing into interior of the main body and intothe applicator component.

In some embodiments, the actuating (e.g., opening) (e.g., insertioninto) of the opener element into the fluid housing operable doorinvolves a detachment of the bottom portion peeled element and a flexingof the top portion peeled element such that the operable door engagesthe opener element and remains open.

In some embodiments, the fluid housing is positioned within the interiorof the main body such that the fluid housing proximal end is flush orrecessed relative to the main body proximal end. In some embodiments,the fluid housing houses a fluid. In some embodiments, the fluid is amedicament fluid or a sterilizing fluid.

In some embodiments, the applicator component is an absorbent sponge orpad. In some embodiments, the applicator component has a shape selectedfrom the group consisting of round, oval, square, triangular, andtear-drop.

In some embodiments, methods for applying a fluid to a subject utilizingsuch apparatuses are provided. For example, in some embodiments, suchmethods comprise contacting an apparatus of the present invention havingfluid within the fluid housing with a surface of a subject; and causingactuating (e.g., opening) (e.g., insertion) of the opener element intothe fluid housing operable door thereby evacuating the fluid within thefluid housing into the interior of the main body and through theapplicator onto the surface of the subject.

Additional embodiments are described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side view of an apparatus embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 shows a top down view of an apparatus embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed cut out of the side of the apparatus embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows a fluid housing embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of the fluid housing distal end and themain body mid portion.

DEFINITIONS

As used herein, the term “proximal” refers to the portion of a structurethat is closer to a user, while the term “distal” refers to the portionthat is further from the user.

As used herein, the term “subject” refers to any animal (e.g., amammal), including, but not limited to, humans, non-human primates,rodents, and the like, which is to be the recipient of a particulartreatment. Typically, the terms “subject” and “patient” are usedinterchangeably herein in reference to a human subject.

As used herein, the term “non-human animals” refers to all non-humananimals including, but are not limited to, vertebrates such as rodents,non-human primates, ovines, bovines, ruminants, lagomorphs, porcines,caprines, equines, canines, felines, ayes, etc. In some embodiments,non-human animals are mammals. In some embodiments, non-human animalsare farm or agricultural animals (e.g., milk producing animals such ascows, sheep, goats, etc.)

As used herein, the term “practitioner” or “user” refers to any user ofthe apparatus of embodiments of the present invention. The “user” or“practitioner” can be a medical professional (e.g., veterinarian,doctor, nurse or other health care provider) or non-medical user (e.g.,human (e.g., human patient) or human caretaker of a non-human animal).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fluid applicator apparatus andmethods of using the apparatus. In particular, the present inventionrelates to an apparatus for storing and dispensing solutions (e.g.,fluid solutions of any kind) (e.g., liquid medicaments and/orsterilization solutions) to a surface of a subject.

The following discussion includes descriptions of the variousembodiments of the applicator apparatus in accordance with theprinciples of the present disclosure followed by a description of usesof the apparatus.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, embodiments of the present invention providemedical applicator apparatuses. FIG. 1 shows a side external view ofapparatus 1. As shown, the apparatus 1 comprises a main body 2 and anapplicator component 3. FIG. 2 shows a top down view of the apparatus 1wherein the main body 2 and applicator component 3 are visible.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the main body 2 has a main bodyproximal end 4 (having a main body proximal end rim 5), a main body midportion 6, and a main body distal end 7. The main body 2 is not limitedto particular size dimensions. In some embodiments, the size of the mainbody 2 is such that it is able to house a fluid housing (e.g., fluidcontainer) (described in more detail below). The main body 2 is notlimited to a particular shape or design. In some embodiments, the shapeof the main body 2 is such that it may be comfortably handled and/orgripped by a user (e.g., a human user). In some embodiments, the shapeof the main body is generally cylindrical. In some embodiments, the mainbody proximal end 4 and main body distal end 7 are open ended therebyenabling the main body 2 to be a hollow passageway its distal andproximal ends.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the applicator component 3 engages themain body 2 at the main body distal end 7. In some embodiments, theapplicator component 3 is sized such that it closes the openingassociated with the main body distal end 7. The applicator 3 is notlimited to a particular manner of engagement with the main body distalend 7. In some embodiments, the applicator 3 engages with the main bodydistal end 7 with an adhesive. In some embodiments, the applicator 3engages with the main body distal end 7 such that as the applicator 3becomes saturated with a fluid it remains securely engaged with the mainbody distal end 7. In some embodiments, the applicator 3 engages withthe main body distal end 7 such that as the applicator 3 becomessaturated with a fluid and is used to contact a subject (e.g., the skinof a subject) it remains securely engaged with the main body distal end7.

The applicator 3 may be any material suitable for absorbing and applyinga solution (e.g., medicament or sterilization solution) to the skin ofan animal. Examples include, but are not limited to, sponges, absorbentpads, and the like. The applicator 3 is not limited to having aparticular shape. In some embodiments, the applicator 3 is a circular oroval shape but may be any shape. For example, in some embodiments,different shapes or geometries of applicators are used for differentapplications (e.g., applications to different body parts or sizes ofanimals or subjects). In some embodiments, the applicator 3 is tear-dropshaped, square, oval, triangular, etc. The applicator 3 is not limitedto particular size dimensions.

In use, in some embodiments, the applicator 3 is a multi-contouredabsorbent member that conforms to substantially all body contours ortopology of a subject. For example, a prow shaped nose facilitatesapplication to eyes, ears, fingers, toes, groin, or other confinedtopology. Additionally, a contoured section conforms to the radialsurface of an arm or leg of a subject.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed cut out of the side of the apparatus 1 havingthe main body 2 and applicator component 3, along with the main bodyproximal end 4 (having a main body proximal end rim 5), main body midportion 6, and main body distal end 7. As shown, an opener element 8 ispositioned within the interior of the main body 2 at the main body midportion 6.

The apparatus 1 is not limited to a particular type or kind of an openerelement 8. In some embodiments, the opener element 8 is a protuberancethat is configured to actuate (e.g., open) an operable door within afluid housing (described in more detail below). The opener element 8 isnot limited to particular size dimensions and/or shapes.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the opener element 8 istriangular in shape and rigidly positioned within the interior of themain body 2 at the main body mid portion 6. In some embodiments, asshown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the opener element 8 has a pointed front end 15angled acutely so as to facilitate the opening of an operable door(e.g., a fluid housing operable door), a top end 16 shaped to facilitatethe retention of such an operable door in an open position (described inmore detail below), and a back end 17. In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 5, the top end 16 is more acutely angled in comparison tothe pointed front end 15 thereby facilitating positioning of an openedfluid housing operable door on such top end 16 (so as to retain theopened operable door in an open position). In some embodiments, thewidth of the opener element 8 is sufficiently narrow so as to retain ahollow passage within the interior of the main body 2. In someembodiments, the width of the opener element 8 is sufficiently narrow soas to facilitate (e.g., not hinder) the passage of a fluid through theinterior of the main body 2 to the applicator 3.

Referring to FIG. 3, a fluid housing 9 is shown positioned within theinterior of the main body 2 from the main body proximal end 4 to thevicinity of the main body mid portion 6 just prior to the opener element8.

FIG. 4 shows a fluid housing 9 separated from the apparatus. Generally,the fluid housing 9 is configured to store a fluid without risk ofunintentional fluid release.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the fluid housing 9 has a fluid housingproximal end 10 and a fluid housing distal end 11. In some embodiments,the fluid housing proximal end 10 and fluid housing distal end 11 areclosed, thereby enabling the fluid housing 9 to securely store a fluid.In some embodiments, as shown, the fluid housing proximal end 10 hasthereon one or more fluid housing proximal end lips 12 for purposes ofpreventing unintentional movement of the fluid housing 9 whilepositioned within the main body 2 (see FIG. 3) (described in more detailbelow).

Still referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the fluid housing 9 is not limited toa particular shape. In some embodiments, the shape of the fluid housing9 is such that it is able to be positioned within the main body of theapparatus 2 from the main body proximal end 4 to the main body midportion 6 just prior to the opener element 8. In some embodiments, thefluid housing 9 is positioned within the main body 2 such that the fluidhousing proximal end 10 does not extend beyond (e.g., outside) the mainbody proximal end rim 5 (thereby preventing unintentional depression ofthe fluid housing into the main body resulting in unintentional releaseof its fluid).

In some embodiments, the fluid housing 9 is positioned within the mainbody 2 such it may not be removed without damaging the apparatus and/orfluid housing. In some embodiments, the fluid housing 9 is removablefrom the main body 2. For example, in some embodiments, the fluidhousing 9 may be inserted into the main body 2 or removed from the mainbody 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, the interior of the main body proximal end 4 hasone or more main body proximal end recesses 13. The main body proximalend recesses 13 are not limited to a particular positioning within themain body proximal end 4. In some embodiments, the one or more main bodyproximal end recesses 13 are configured to receive the fluid housingproximal end lips 12 for purposes of preventing unintentional movementof the fluid housing 9 while positioned within the main body 2 (shown inFIG. 3). Such retention, however, may be overcome through application ofa distally directed force upon the fluid housing proximal end 4 (e.g.,thereby “pushing” the fluid housing proximal end lips 12 past the mainbody proximal end recesses 13). The main body proximal end recesses 13are not limited to a particular shape. In some embodiments, the shape ofthe main body proximal end recesses 13 are curved so as to facilitateengagement and non-engagement with fluid housing proximal end lips 12.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the fluid housing distal end 11 is closedwith a fluid housing distal end operable door 14. The present inventionis not limited to a particular type or kind of fluid housing distal endoperable door 14.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, in some embodiments, the fluid housingproximal end 10 has an operable door 14. The embodiments are not limitedto a particular operable door 14. In some embodiments, the operable door14 is hinge based such that it is configured to be opened. In someembodiments, the operable door 14 is peel hinge based such that it isconfigured to be opened. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and5, the operable door 14 has an operable door top peel portion 18 and anoperable door bottom peel portion 19. In some embodiments, the operabledoor top peel portion 18 and the operable door bottom peel portion 19have different degrees of thickness. In some embodiments, the thicknessof the operable door bottom peel portion 19 is such that upon engagementwith the opener element pointed front end 15 (see FIGS. 3 and 5) theoperable door bottom peel portion 19 will detach (e.g., opens). In someembodiments, the thickness of the operable door top peel portion 18 isthick enough to bend without detaching (e.g., thereby operating as ahinge (e.g., a swinging hinge)) as the operable door bottom peel portion19 detaches. As such, in some embodiments, the operable door 14 isconfigured to open via detachment of the operable door bottom peelportion 19 and flexing of the operable door top peel portion 18 inresponse to engagement with the opener element pointed front end 15.Accordingly, in some embodiments, depression of the fluid housingproximal end 10 (e.g., by a user) causes the fluid housing 9 to distallyadvance through the interior of the main body 2 resulting in engagementbetween the fluid housing operable wall 14 and the opener elementpointed front end 15. Such engagement between the fluid housing operablewall 14 and the opener element pointed front end 15 results incontacting of the opener element pointed front end 15 with the operablewall bottom peel portion 19 such that the operable wall bottom peelportion 19 detaches, and as the opener element 8 advances into the fluidhousing 9 (e.g., thereby opening the operable door), the operable doortop peel portion 18 flexes and rests upon the opener element top end 16(thereby retaining the operable door 14 in an open position). In someembodiments, such opening of the operable door 14 results in a releaseof the fluid housing contents (e.g., fluid) through the opened operabledoor 14, into the interior of the main body 2 (e.g., the main body midportion 6 and main body distal end 7), and ultimately into theapplicator 3. In some embodiments, the entire contents of fluid housing9 are thereby transferred to the applicator 3, which may thereby be usedto apply such contents to a subject. In some embodiments, the operabledoor top peel portion 18 and the operable door bottom peel portion 19are formed through a coining process.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fluid housing proximal end 10 is flush orrecessed relative to the main body proximal end rim 5. This provides theadvantage of preventing accidental actuation of the fluid housing 2prior to use (e.g., unintentional depression of the fluid housingproximal end 10 such that the fluid housing operable door 14 is openedthereby releasing its contents) (e.g., during shipping, handling and/orstorage). In some embodiments, the main body proximal end 4 comprises acap or seal over the main body proximal end rim 5 to protect thecontents and maintain the seal of fluid housing 2. In some embodiments,the fluid housing proximal end 10 comprises a cap or seal to protect thecontents and maintain the seal of fluid housing 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the shape of the main body midportion 6 is narrowed (in comparison to the main body proximal portion4) so as to prevent movement of the fluid housing 9 beyond the main bodymid portion 6 (e.g., the width or radius of the main body mid portion 6is smaller or less than the radius of the fluid housing distal end 11).

In some embodiments, the fluid housing is filled with a medicant,cleaning solution or the like. Such medicants are inclusive ofantiseptic solutions, sterilizing solutions, etc., in liquid or in gelform. The present invention is not limited to a particular fluid fordispensing by the apparatus. In some embodiments, the fluid is a medicalfluid (e.g., comprising a medicament). In some embodiments, the fluid isa sterilizing fluid (e.g., those described in copending application Ser.No. 13/621,645; herein incorporated by reference in its entirety orcommercial solutions such as Excel-AP, manufactured by Aplicare,Branford Conn.).

The components of medical skin apparatus may be fabricated frommaterials suitable for medical applications, such as, for example,polymerics or metals, such as stainless steel, depending on theparticular application and/or preference of a user. Semi-rigid and rigidpolymerics are contemplated for fabrication, as well as resilientmaterials, such as molded medical grade polypropylene. One skilled inthe art, however, will realize that other materials and fabricationmethods suitable for assembly and manufacture, in accordance with thepresent disclosure, also would be appropriate.

In some embodiments, fluids are added during manufacture and theapparatus is shipped to a user containing the fluid in the fluidhousing. In other embodiments, the apparatus is provided to a user emptyand the user adds the fluid prior to use. In some embodiments, theapparatus is intended for a single use and is disposed after use. Inother embodiments, the apparatus can be refilled and used multipletimes.

The apparatus described herein finds use in any number of applicationsinvolving medical (e.g., human medical setting or veterinary setting) orother uses of fluids applied to surfaces of a subject. In someembodiments, a sterilizing fluid is applied to a surface (e.g., skin orexternal membrane) of a subject prior to a medical procedure, such as,for example, surgical, diagnostic and related treatments of diseases andbody ailments of a subject. It is further envisioned that the principlesrelating to the skin applicator apparatus disclosed include applicationof various agents to a body, such as, for example, medications and otherfluids.

The present invention is not limited to a particular subject. In someembodiments, the subject is a human. In some embodiments, the subject isa non-human animal (e.g., a non-human mammal). In some embodiments, thesubject is any animal seen in a veterinary setting (e.g., cat, dog,bird, turtle, rabbit, snake, etc.).

As described above, the applicator apparatus of the present disclosureincludes key features and advantages not found in existing applicators.For example, positioning of the fluid housing proximal end rim recessedor flush relative to the main body proximal end rim prevents accidentalactuation of the fluid housing prior to use of the apparatus (e.g.,during manufacture, shipment, handling, and/or storage of theapparatus). In addition, use of an opener element and operable door asdescribed herein for release of a fluid within the fluid housing ensuresa more reliable fluid release in comparison to alternate previousdesigns.

In alternate embodiments, the fluid housing is a fractionable ampoule.In such embodiments, depressing of the fluid housing causes movement ofthe fluid housing in a distal manner and a fractioning of the ampouleupon contact with the opener element resulting in release of the fluidwithin the fluid housing. Such release of the fluid results in itsprogression through the main body and ultimately into the applicator.

All publications and patents mentioned in the above specification areherein incorporated by reference. Various modifications and variationsof the described method and system of the invention will be apparent tothose skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit ofthe invention. Although the invention has been described in connectionwith specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that theinvention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specificembodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes forcarrying out the invention that are obvious to those skilled in themedical sciences are intended to be within the scope of the followingclaims.

We claim:
 1. A system comprising: a) an apparatus for applying a fluid,consisting essentially of a hollow main body having an open main bodyproximal end, a main body mid portion, and an open main body distal end,wherein said interior of said main body mid portion has therein anopener element, and an applicator component, wherein said main bodydistal end is engaged with said applicator component, wherein the mainbody proximal end has thereon main body proximal end recesses; and b) afluid housing having a closed fluid housing proximal end and a fluidhousing distal end having a fluid housing operable door, wherein thefluid housing operable door has therein a bottom portion peeled elementand a top portion peeled element, wherein the top portion peeled elementis thicker than the bottom portion peeled element, wherein said closedfluid housing proximal end has thereon closed fluid housing proximal endlips.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein said fluid housing is capable ofbeing positioned within the interior of the main body such that thefluid housing operable door is positioned in the vicinity of the openerelement such that a distal movement of the fluid housing will result inan insertion of the opener element into the fluid housing operable doorthereby releasing the contents of the fluid housing into interior of themain body and into the applicator component.
 3. The system of claim 2,wherein an insertion of the opener element into the fluid housingoperable door results in a detachment of the bottom portion peeledelement and a flexing of the top portion peeled element such that theoperable door engages the opener element and remains open.
 4. The systemof claim 2, wherein said fluid housing is capable of being positionedwithin the interior of the main body such that the fluid housingproximal end lips are positioned within the main body proximal endrecesses thereby preventing unintentional movement of the fluid housingpositioned within the main body.
 5. The system of claim 2, wherein saidfluid housing is capable of being positioned within the interior of themain body such that at least a portion of the fluid housing proximal endis flush or recessed relative to the main body proximal end.
 6. A methodof applying fluid to a surface, comprising: a) providing a systemrecited in claim 1; b) positioning the fluid housing within theapparatus; and c) inserting the opener element into the fluid housingoperable door resulting in a detachment of the bottom portion peeledelement and a flexing of the top portion peeled element such that theoperable door engages the opener element and remains open, therebyreleasing the contents of the fluid housing: i) into interior of themain body, ii) into the applicator component, iii) through theapplicator component, and iv) onto a surface.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein the surface is the skin of a living subject.
 8. The method ofclaim 7, wherein the living subject is a human subject or an agrariansubject.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the agrarian subject isselected from a cow, chicken, pig, horse, donkey, and goat.